In the peaceful countryside in Raisin Township, a small but mighty horse rescue is making a big difference. Wild Acres Horse Rescue, founded by the compassionate Michelle Wild, has found a new home and is settling in to continue its essential work. Wild Acres currently cares for five horses, with two more arrivals expected soon. The horses come to Wild Acres through various channels — some are surrendered by owners who can no longer provide for them, while others are rescued from neglectful situations. Wild explained that people sometimes call when they see a neglected or malnourished horse. In that case, when a horse is in bad shape, she said it's best to notify the authorities since she can't enter property without permission. Before bringing a horse into the haven Wild Acres provides, Wild visits the animal first to evaluate its condition and needs. "If I can accommodate the horse and meet its needs, I will take it in. If not, I'll suggest who the owner can contact for help." She notes that financial constraints are typical, but there are often ways to get veterinary care or other assistance. "Someone may not be able to afford veterinary care, but they can still call and ask questions or possibly set up an arrangement." While no barns are on the Wild Acres' property yet, the horses have access to shelters to escape the elements. "We have room to grow," Wild said. "We can currently take in about ten horses, but we could build more shelters and accommodate more if we have the necessary funding and volunteers." Funding and volunteers are crucial for the nonprofit rescue, which runs entirely on donations. One creative fundraising initiative is a shoe drive, where people donate gently worn used shoes sold by the pound to a company that distributes them to developing countries. "It's nice because it helps us raise money for the horses' care but also gives a second life to the shoes with people who need them," Wild commented. The rescue also collects cans and bottles, holding quarterly bottle drives open to the public. "People are always welcome to donate and call us for pickup," Wild said. Wild Acres is focusing on community outreach this year, participating in events like downtown Adrian's First Fridays. They're also starting a program where they'll visit local care facilities, allowing residents to interact with the horses. "We aren't licensed as ‘therapy,' but being around the horses — being able to pet and talk to them — is therapeutic in itself," Wild explained. She not only wants to give back to the community but also wants to show people the amazing things happening at Wild Acres. One of the resident horses, Macho Man, has become somewhat of a celebrity. He came to the rescue a couple of years ago, tired and overworked. "Once he got out into the field, he was so happy to get out and stretch his legs," Wild said. Now, his personality is finally shining through. You can even ask him questions, and he'll shake his head yes or no! Macho Man exemplifies the transformative power of Wild Acres' services and the tender loving care they provide, offering hope and inspiration to all who witness the horse's journey. Wild Acres has other surrendered horses and a horse they saved from auction, which went Up North to be a show pony. Each horse is given a second chance at a happy life. The rescue maintains contact with everyone who adopts from them, ensuring the horses are flourishing in their new homes. "We keep in contact to make sure the owner is doing what they said they would do and to ensure that the horse is thriving." If an owner ever has to surrender the horse back, Wild Acres gets first dibs. The rehoming process is thorough, including a trial period to ensure the horse and the new owner are a good match. "Many people think surrender or rescue horses are useless," Wild said. "Some horses are so badly traumatized that they can only thrive in a place like ours that's dedicated to their care and rehabilitation." Others can be nurtured back to health and go on to be wonderful companions, show horses, and more. Wild said adopting owners are carefully assessed first rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. An interested individual will meet the horse face-to-face and complete a questionnaire that ensures the potential owner can and will care for the horse correctly and that the environment is suitable. Wild added that all their adoptable horses undergo a health assessment and veterinary check before rehoming.
According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), some horses seen at auctions are in excellent health. In contrast, others suffer from extreme neglect, starvation being the most common and obvious. Other ailments include systemic infections, such as pneumonia, strangles, wounds, and severe foot problems, that make it challenging for the horse to walk.
As Wild Acres looks to the future, their goals include increasing community service and raising awareness about the importance of horse rescue. Wild said their mission is to save these horses and give them the care and love they deserve. But they also want to inspire others to support rescue efforts and see the value in these amazing animals. By raising awareness of the rehoming options for at-risk horses and educating people about proper horse care, irresponsible behaviors, such as overbreeding, will decrease and fewer horses will suffer. It's a collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture documented that 92.3% of horses sent to slaughter are in good condition and can live productive lives. These horses would be sold, donated, or otherwise rehomed; however, kill buyers outbid legitimate horse owners and rescues at auctions, robbing horses of having a second chance at life. Hundreds of horse auctions are held annually and thousands of horses are auctioned, including healthy pleasure horses, former racehorses, draft horses, and wild horses.
While some people looking for inexpensive riding horses and ponies purchase them at auctions, the HSUS says that most of the horses sold at auctions they've attended were purchased by kill buyers who represent or sell to slaughterhouses.
Wild has had horses her entire life and said she always knew she wanted to do something large scale, apart from the personal rescues she's owned. She noted that many people enjoy the thought of having horses, but those interested, especially those who have never owned a horse or aren't part of a horse community, need to realize the commitment. Potential owners' lack of knowledge and research before committing to caring for a horse can lead to poor conditions for the animal, as people don't realize the cost and time involved in their care. Wild Acres gives hope and a chance at life to horses who can't advocate for themselves.
Wild Acres Horse Rescue
Office: 1497 1st St, Adrian
Farm: 4949 Kopke Rd, Britton
734-748-9057
info@wildacreshorserescue.org
wildacreshorserescue.org
FB: @wildacreshorserescue
